From a Caracas Street to El Helicoide
On April 11, 2002, Iván Simonovis was on duty as a senior security official overseeing the Caracas metropolitan police when one of Venezuela's most consequential political days erupted around him. Millions had taken to the streets opposing President Hugo Chávez; snipers opened fire on the crowd, leaving 19 people dead and dozens wounded. Chávez held power — then turned Venezuela's judicial apparatus against his perceived enemies.